Hudson.Courtney.Dean

let's start at the very beginning...

2012-01-19T09:54:00.000-08:00

I wish that the thing that was bringing me back to my neglected blog was the fun times we had over the holidays! We had a great Christmas and Dean was so fun this year, as he now finally understands the Christmas and Santa Claus concept! But our real adventure started Christmas day with a trip to urgent care for Dean's ears. He had a terrible ear infection and came out with a prescription for Amoxicillin. Fast forward 8 days and Dean wakes up itching himself all over. At first, I thought the little spots were Chicken Pox (just my luck, right?!) but then they progressively got worse. I wanted to wait to take him to the doctor since our old insurance ended January 1 and our new insurance started January 4 (at this point, it was January 3), but the spots were so bad and so itchy that I ended up taking Dean into the doctor anyway.

Remember the movie Hitch with Will Smith? That's what Dean's ear and hand looked like: one big swollen hive. I was totally freaked out, but the doctor decided that Dean was allergic to Amoxicillin and gave him some steroids that began to work very quickly.

Two days later, Dean had been playing in the backyard and he came inside and said that his knee hurt and he couldn't walk. He wasn't crying and kept changing his story so I wasn't sure if he fell or what. I figured he had popped his knee out so we took him to the myropracter right away to get him checked out. By this time, Dean couldn't be moved from one position and was peeing involuntarily. The myro said that his hip and pelvis and knee were all messed up and to take him to the ER right away to make sure there was no fracture.

We spent several hours at Banner Gateway, and even though his x-rays came back fine, Dean still couldn't walk. We ended up getting transferred to Cardon's Children and were admitted there.

Dean got his blood taken and had an IV inserted. By the time we got to our room it was about 2 am and Hudson and I were worried sick. There were a couple options of what Dean could have, but his symptoms and blood work were all telling a different story. Worst case scenario, he could have a septic hip (which is basically a nasty bacterial infection in the hip that would require surgery to remove all the fluid) or toxic synovitis which is a non-bacterial infection that sometimes settles in the hip joint. We were told that Dean would have to get an MRI in order to know for sure what we were dealing with.

The doctors decided (for whatever reason) that they did not want to sedate D for the MRI. This was very worrisome because if he freaked out we would have to come back and have him fast for 6 hours and then get another MRI appointment. This would set the whole process back almost a day. Amazingly, through many many prayers, Dean did awesome in the MRI. I told him it was a rocket ship and he thought he was going on a "mission to mars." Cute kid kept his sweet personality through the whole thing. He loved all the attention and I'm pretty sure he was all the nurses' favorite kid.

Once he was done with the MRI he miraculously started walking again! Very slowly, and with a limp, but we were ecstatic. We finally got the results of his tests back that evening and were able to go home because there was no sign of a bacterial infection!

The past week since we have been home has been an adjustment because there are still days when Dean wakes up and can't walk or is in a lot of pain. We still don't know if the hives and the infection were connected in some way or if he really is allergic to amoxicillin. We have also been doing blood work once a week to see if his levels have changed at all.

This whole experience has opened my eyes. Having a sick baby is terrifying and overwhelming; and we didn't even have to be in the hospital for that long! I have a newfound sympathy and respect for those whose children are chronically ill because feeling hopeless and not having answers is one of the scariest things I have ever been through. I hope I can be as good of a friend to those people as my friends have been to me through all this! Also, prayers work miracles!

thankful

2011-11-23T07:30:00.000-08:00

This year as Thanksgiving rolls around I am filled to the brim with blessings.

And I am lucky to have visual representation of the biggest of all these blessings.

My family.

an eternal family. forever and ever, amen.

my two cute boys who love each other and the lucky lady in their life (me!)

my first born. my personality twin and best frenemy.

for the bittersweetness of his eyes turning from blue to green, just like my dad's.

for how excited Dean is to be a big brother. the list of things he wants to teach baby brother grows by the day (so far: baseball, soccer, football, playing drums, and playing basketball "but we will need a bigger basketball hoop")

and baby boy.

This all leads me to another of my biggest and best gifts: the Gospel.

My favorite quote from this year's Conference:

"Motherhood is not a hobby, it is a calling. You do not collect children because you find them cuter than stamps. It is not something to do it you can squeeze the time in. It is what God gave you time for."

Halloween 2011

2011-11-04T09:57:00.000-07:00

Anyone who knows Dean knows that he is obsessed with sports.

Obsessed.

Our daily conversations consist of "Mom, I want to go see the D-Backs. Is Justin Upton playing? He's my favorite in the whole world."

"I'm gonna go see Sparky and then go watch the players in the field and then go in the locker room with them."

Obviously this love of sports didn't come from me.

Anyway, it was only natural for D to be an ASU baseball player for Halloween! My dad bought my oldest nephew all this legit catcher's gear when he was Dean's age and it was so special that Dean got to wear it this year!

He LOVED all the gear. He really wanted to wear his "shim guards" around to trick or treat but they are a little hard to get around in.

Hudson's "costume" is actually his everyday attire. At least he goes to ASU now so he can justify the obsession.

Dean and his buddy Rivers had so much fun trick or treating. We pushed them around in their strollers from house to house so it was a little like "drive-thru" trick or treating. But the boys LOVED it! Dean is already asking to go trick or treating again.

Hopefully he enjoyed dressing up as a baseball player because next year I'm sure I will force him and his new little brother to be something super embarrassing and matchy-matchy.

snips, snails, and puppy dog tails

2011-10-25T16:46:00.000-07:00

The morning of the gender ultrasound is always filled with nerves, excitement and trepidation.

We were so glad to be able to bring Dean with us to find out if he was going to have a little brother or sister (or, in his words, "a poop brother" or "poop sister." WHY does everything have to deal with "poop" these days??)

When we got into the ultrasound room, the ultrasound tech explained to me that she would take all of baby's measurements first and then we would find out the gender.

She put the probe on my belly and I saw "it."

I didn't say anything because I didn't want to seem like a self-proclaimed professional ultrasound reader.

About 30 seconds into the ultrasound, and after numerous wiener glimpses, the tech says, "I am assuming you have seen the gender by now. You're having a BOY!"

Baby boy #2 looks perfect, healthy, and apparently is an acrobat of sorts. He started out the ultrasound being in the breach position but ended it being head down with all the somersaults he was doing!

We were so excited to share our news with friends and family with a gender reveal party!

For those of you keeping count, this is the 5th grandson on my side and the 4th on Hudson's side. We know how to make those boy parts, apparently.

Perhaps the most exciting part about having another boy is that these cute little boys are also getting little brothers within days and weeks of Dean!

Two generations of boys for the Rogers', Allen's and Anderson's!

After all is said and done, I do worry about being a boy mom.

I worry about not being athletic enough, or involved enough, or about walking the fine line between being their mom and being their nag.

But there is something about a little boy and his mom.

There's something about Dean calling me "Mommy" and telling me he loves me "SO much" and saying that "I saved his life" (this morning's latest dramatic quote).

There's something about seeing your husband with your son.

It's magical.

And it's mine!

the darndest things.

2011-09-25T19:52:00.000-07:00

Dean comes up with some pretty good one liners. In fact, we are often found going head-to-head with each other. Example: this morning, Dean told me "Mommy, stop being so bossy!" and I said, "You're the bossy one!" and Hudson said, "Stop bickering with our two-year old."

Anyway.

The other day Dean and I were in the car and he says to me, "I want to go to Meghan's house forEVER! And don't say nothing to me, Mommy, because it's MY PROBLEM!"

This is my toddler's version of running away from home, right? I wanted to have my feelings hurt, but I was laughing too hard to let it cut too deep.

I don't blame you, Dean. A life filled with your cousins and an aunt who lets you do whatever you want sounds lovely. Especially since that life is filled with Little Debbies and cheese balls and all the marshmallows you can handle.

what we've been up to...

2011-09-06T15:16:00.000-07:00

Here's the reader's digest of our summer

(minus all the barfing that is happening by yours truly).

Celebrating our 5th anniversary with a fab staycation!

Playing with new baby cousins Jones and McKay!

dimple butts make my heart smile.

Enjoying lots of family time

cute matching cousins

Saying goodbye to this handsome kid for 2 years...

enjoying our hilarious 2 year old

Spending time in Utah with family and friends

And, of course, your average, general goofiness brought to you by Dean.

bed head. have you ever seen anything better?

Welcoming this cute brother of mine home from his mission!!

Could you die? from the second T got home, Dean says "I wuv my Tywer."

Turning 26! (no old-lady jokes, please)

And we ended the summer with our annual Labor Day pool party.

Here's to an amazing Fall (with weather that is conducive to walking outside. pleaseandthankyou.)

Pregnant!

2011-08-24T10:11:00.000-07:00

We are so thrilled to announce my pregnancy with baby number two!

Dean is also excited, what with being a "big brudda" and all (his words).

Cravings:

Sonic tater tots

Xavier's burros

Baskin Robbin's Mint Chocolate Chip (no other brand will do)

Fruit

Fresh squeezed apple juice with ginger (good thing I got a juicer for my birthday!)

Krispy Kreme donuts

Velveeta Macaroni

Martinelli's with Sonic ice

As you can see, these are very specific requests. Go ahead and think it: Poor Hudson.

twenty.six

2011-08-16T15:19:00.000-07:00

I am one to think of birthdays as national holidays (well, maybe just my own birthday.) I am always shocked when my close friends and family (or, heaven forbid, myself!) have to work on August 16.

I am 26 today. Anybody else start to lose track after 25? I have been saying that I am 26 for months and feel genuinely confused when people tell me I am still 25. Blast me aging myself, for now I really am the big 2-6.

Here's 26 quirks about yours truly.

1. I won't eat chocolate unless its refrigerated

2. I think we should always use british spelling for everything (favourite, grey, etc)

3. I don't trust people who hate tomatos or coconut

4. I steal after dinner mints from restaurants (Chick fil a and Melting Pot's are the best)

5. I'm amazing at Fruit Ninja

6. I love words like "circa" and "via" and "albeit"

7. I have made my bed exactly four times in two years

8. I have never seen The Goonies or Princess Bride. At this point, I refuse to see them because everyone else has.

9. I didn't know who Justin Beiber was until like three months ago

10. I walk out of a quarter of the movies I see in the movie theaters

11. My favorite song is Jewel's You Were Meant For Me.

12. I really want to learn the aforementioned song on the guitar.

13. I think everytime should be one word (it's not! my spell check corrects me everytime! oh sorry, every     time.)

14. I want to be a writer. In fact, I am currently writing a memoir.

15. I believe that chips and salsa is a food group.

16. I always wanted a baby that looked like me and acted like Hudson. I got the opposite.

17. Many of my best friends have been in my life since elementary school and junior high

18. I eat a peanut butter and jelly sandwich everyday for lunch

19. For how high maintenance I am on many things (the first step is admitting it), I am surprisingly low-maintenance about my hair. In fact, I have to practically be conned into getting a trim or coloring my roots.

20. Speaking of hair, I have tons of grey hairs.

21. I am a total psycho about my eyebrows.

22. I wish that me and Dean and Hudson all matched every Sunday for church.

23. I pretty much won't buy anything unless it's on sale.

24. I really want to put mascara on Dean's eyelashes (have you seen those puppies?!)

25. If I don't put lotion on my feet and hands every night, I feel claustrophobic.

26. I believe that Twenty Six is gonna be my best year yet.

heaven help me.

2011-07-14T16:43:00.000-07:00

I just got home from a ward activity and Hudson regaled me with this story:

Hudson was laying on the couch and Dean comes up to him with Monopoly money and says, "I go buy a kid's meal. It's three dollars."

So Dean goes and puts on his shoes (on the wrong feet of course) and comes back to Hudson and says, "I'm going to Nordstrom Rack now." (no lie.)

Hudson then hears the door to the garage opens so he goes out there and gets Dean to come inside. He locks the door.

A few minutes later, Dean goes out into the garage again. Hudson figures that the garage doors are shut so he'll let him play out there for a few minutes.

Five minutes later, Hudson goes to check on Dean. The door to the garage is open about 1/3 of the way and Dean is no where in sight.

Hudson walks out into the neighborhood and Dean is walking back toward him with a smug look on his face. "I walked to Chick Fil A and Nordstrom Rack and now I am back."

When I got home and heard this story, I asked him what he bought at Nordstrom Rack.

"Umm..some shirts and clothes. And a Kid's Meal."

I don't know if I should be proud or terrified.

cousins

2011-07-12T17:33:00.000-07:00

These two are the best of friends.

And (sometimes) the worst of enemies.

You see, they want to see each other and play together everyday, but once they are together, it's a mixture of boyish fun and tattling telling.

Dean wants to be just like his "Easty."

In fact, he can often be found copying Easton, much to Easton's annoyance.

super heros with exercise-band headbands and sippy cups.

these boys like to get into a lot of trouble, they even climb on the pool table to play with the balls.

Sometimes Easton sits in Dean's chair, but Dean won't have it! He gets up into the chair with him.

This picture was right before they started fighting about whose turn it was to play with the water squirter and who got to sit by the water.

"We shall always be special friends from the same family tree."

-anonymous

Chef Dean

2011-06-22T06:53:00.000-07:00

When Hudson was little, he wanted to be a chef.

Isn't that cute?? Realistically, he has had a few mishaps in the kitchen (like the time he put taco seasoning into the spaghetti meat sauce. he claims that we have tacos so much that how was he supposed to know it was something different?)

Dean seems to be taking an interest in cooking as well. He always wants to be involved in the kitchen "I help me?" (i.e. "Can I help you?")

He has play food and and play pans that he cooks with. He always says he is making "soup."

He also likes to put his creations in the oven (good thing it isn't on when he does this!)

Come on. Could you die? So darling.

The other day I made cookies and Dean literally blended the dough together all by himself! I was so proud of him and he loved helping. Except, every time I would turn off the mixers he would sneak a lick of the dough. I didn't mind. The 350 degree oven bakes out all the germs, right? (now no one is going to want me to bring them cookies anymore.)

Mr. cheesy is SO proud.

I even let him have the mixers after we were done. He was just so darn cute while we were baking that I couldn't help myself.

Speaking of the cutest things in the world, this is my next project. How brilliant, right?! All the play kitchens are so expensive and can look so cheap. I need to make this for Dean, like, yesterday. He would probably pass our from excitement.

five years

2011-06-15T06:38:00.000-07:00

Since it is our FIVE YEAR anniversary, I think a flashback is in order.

At a friend's wedding, about a week before we got engaged...

please no comments about the fact that Hudson had only been home from his mission for about a month at this point :)

On our way to get our marriage license

Before our wedding dinner

Wedding day. Can you tell how in love I am?

Hudson and I have such a fun relationship because we constantly want to be together. We are so lucky to have eternity!

I told Hudson that the traditional gifts for the 5 year anniversary are wood or paper, so I would take a house (wood) or a deed to a house (paper).

He wrote me a lovely note on lined paper this morning, and it was even better than either of those things.

Happy 5 years, bear!

Love you million billion.

Deanisms

2011-06-06T06:34:00.001-07:00

Everyday Dean says something that blows my mind. Either it is super intellectual or absolutely hilarious. I kind of wish I could videotape him all the time.

Here are some recent Deanisms:

D: "I put cleats on?" (obsessed with baseball and baseball gear)

Me: "I don't know how to do it!"

D: "Hmmm...I wonder?"

{looks like he figured it out.}

***

Me: "Dean, what are you eating?"

D: "Gum."

Me: "Who gave it to you?"

D: "Grandma. That grandma, she's naughty."

***

Me: "We are going swimming today, what bathing suit do you want to wear?"

D: "ASU one."

Me: "I don't think they make those."

D: "Find it!"

Me: "Where?"

D: "Target."

I still haven't quite figured out how to turn this kid down.

2011-05-24T06:30:00.000-07:00

Every once in a while, Dean will get a wild hair and decide to do something out of the norm for his otherwise cautious personality.

Like, when he climbed on top of our car (just as a for instance).

Pretty proud of himself, obviously.

Hudson trying to coax Dean off the edge..

Dean screaming, "NOO!"

Hudson getting bored with trying to get Dean off the car...

Until he blindsides Dean, grabs him and saves the day!

We keep the garage door locked now.

the best of friends

2011-05-19T07:42:00.001-07:00

Dean and I are both lucky enough to have best friends.

Even more luckily, ours come from the same family tree.

Dean and Paisley have been inseparable since they were 4 and 6 weeks old, at their first play date at California Pizza Kitchen.

These kids melt our hearts. Have you ever seen the movie Up? Dean and Pais are like Ellie and Carl. Dean is so cautious and nervous and naturally scared of lots of things. Pais is the opposite: brave, outgoing and spontaneous. P helps D try new things and not be scared of having fun. Hillary likes to joke that Dean is the smart one, waiting on Paisley to see if her latest adventure is going to turn out before trying it himself. I think Pais is a natural leader, and makes Dean feel comfortable trying new things. How grateful I am for their sweet friendship!

Plus, they look like twins.

And yes, these pictures will be included in their wedding video.

Love these babies so much!

monday.

2011-05-16T09:48:00.000-07:00

"Think about your particular assignment at this time in your life. It may be to get an education, it may be to rear children, it may be to be a grandparent, it may be to care for and relieve the suffering of someone you love, it may be to do a job in the most excellent way possible, it may be to support someone who has a difficult assignment of their own. Our assignments are varied and they change from time to time. Don't take them lightly. Give them your full heart and energy. Do them with enthusiasm. Do whatever you have to do this week with your whole heart and soul. To do less than this will leave you with an empty feeling."

{Marjorie Pay Hinckley}

Mother dear, I love you so...

2011-05-08T17:40:00.001-07:00

Happy mother's day to all the beautiful mothers in our lives!

We wouldn't be where we are, or who we are, without you!

"All that I am, or hope to be, I owe to my angel mother."

Abraham Lincoln

the latest and greatest.

2011-05-03T07:49:00.000-07:00

These last few weeks have been crazy, as apparent by my extreme lack of blogging.

Is it too late to make it my New Years Resolution to be better about my family blog?

Ya, I thought so.

Here's the last few weeks as documented in photos:

visiting grandpa's grave with flowers and singing "Jesus Wants Me for a Sunbeam" (Dean's request)

Easter Sunday

egg hunts,

playing with Dad,

dressing up,

attempting to hide from the omni-present camera lens,

and the requisite sugar fueled Easter meltdown.

Perhaps one of the most exciting new developments is the birth of our new nephews! We just love these cute boys to pieces! (for those of you keeping track, we now have 5 nephews and a son)

Dean loves these babies and wants to stare a pictures of them all day. His response? "Aww, Mac and Jones CUTE and tiny!"

Jones Oliver Jasper, born April 26

McKay Paxton Rogers, born April 18

We are so blessed to have such full and amazing lives!

Here's to hoping the next post isn't too many days in the future :)

6 years

2011-04-15T16:16:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I went to get Dean out of his bed when he work up in the morning. He usually wants to go through a routine of "Where's everybody else?" (as you can see, I am the favorite around here.)

"Where's dad?"

"Work."

"Where's grandma?"

"Work."

"Where's grandpa?"

"Work."

At this reply Dean furrowed his brow and concentrated on my answer. He decided I wasn't right because he told me:

"No. Heaven."

At first I didn't understand his lispy two year old version of the word.

Then he repeated it.

"Heaven."

I've never seen a kid so proud of himself. He was smiling ear to ear.

Dean then pointed to the picture of my dad that he keeps on his dresser and said, "Grandpa. Heaven."

I just know that Dean and my dad were buds in heaven.

I also know that families are forever.

forgive the cell phone pics, but I had to capture Dean loving on his favorite picture of my dad. Love him.

Superhero Dean

2011-04-05T20:35:00.000-07:00

The party:

The people:

The obsession:

The birthday boy:

Not sure why I feel the need to go all-out for a party that Dean will only remember through pictures. But it sure was fun.

And I had an epiphany: Dean is spoiled.rotten.

Dean Hudson

2011-04-01T07:36:00.000-07:00

Two years ago we welcomed our little D into the world.

How have two years already past?

Dean is the light of our lives: he's the funniest person I know, he's completely adorable (if I do say so), and he completes us!

hang on while I submit this picture to Gap...

Happy birthday, little boy. We love you!!

all photos done by Brittney Gurr

Dean the worrier.

2011-03-18T14:16:00.000-07:00

Have you sensed a theme in our lives? Hudson is obviously the favorite. Courtney is around to document photographic evidence of this sentiment.

Parks are always a humorous experience with Dean. He tells me "excited!" when we get out of the car to go to the park but once he climbs up on the equipment he decides he is (quote) too "nervous, shy, scared" to go down the slide or play. Then he sits in a corner and hides. Needless to say, Dean is extremely cautious. I always feel bad at park play dates because he says everything is too scary and that he will get hurt if he plays. (I don't know where this irrational fear came from..?)

Enter Hudson. Of course Dean will do anything to make Daddy proud!

nervous and sweating...

still a little scared...

wait...this is kinda fun!

weeeee!

...even though he landed on his bum, the verdict was: "AGAIN!"

Hopefully this cures him of his fear of slides :)

the land of Disney

2011-02-28T16:40:00.001-08:00

I grew up going to Disneyland.

Just like they say, it is a magical place.

We wanted to share the magic with Dean, so we planned a trip and the time finally arrived for us to leave! The trip did not go off without a hitch though...

Dean woke up the morning we were supposed to leave with a fever. He was acting pretty normal and Tylenol broke the fever so we decided to carry our plans of leaving. Later in the morning his fever came back at 103 so I thought I would take him to the doctor to make sure it wasn't anything more than a fever (ears, throat, etc.) My amazing pediatrician said Dean looked perfect and to {quote} buy an industrial size bottle of Motrin and hit the road! Needless to say, we were a little nervous and bummed out that the trip was starting off on the wrong foot.

After a restless night and a few second thoughts about the trip, we ventured out to Disneyland for our first day! The weather was out of the ordinary for CA, the high of 53 and RAIN all day! Besides that, the day was fab. Dean loved the rides! Well, once he got off of them he did. The whole time he was on the ride he was saying "scawy" (scary) but then once we got off he was saying "again!!" (even for Matterhorn!)

He LOVED all the characters from afar and wanted to give them all "knuckles" but once he got close to them he said he was too "shy." (who is he kidding??)

Dean's favorite place was Toon Town; we could have spent the whole two days there! He was so excited to ride the roller coaster and see Mickey's house.

Minor to moderate picture overload here...

scared of Mr. Incredible

Dean: "Jessie! Knuckles!!" He didn't understand why he had to wait in line to see the characters...

Once it was his turn he got too nervous (or maybe star-struck?)

Dean walkin around like he owns the place. But really, cutest little kid!

Dean's favorite part of the whole trip was how much time he got to spend with Hudson. Go figure.

The second morning we were there Dean got into my mom's mascara...such is the life when your mom is a makeup artist! "Mascawa, pretty!!"

All tuckered out. Doesn't he look pretty when he is sleeping?!

Little man shoes

pouty lips

scared of the ride before it started

trying to climb in Mickey's house. He wanted the balloons {his favorite movie these days is "Up")

When we were climbing the stairs he turned to me and said "be tareful" (careful)

All in all, it was a great trip and we made some amazing memories with our little boy! Disneyland is definitely different with a 2 year old, but it was so fun and hopefully we can make the trip a tradition!

big shoes, tiny feet

2011-02-23T18:42:00.000-08:00

There are few things that warm my heart as thoroughly as my Dean trying so hard to be like my Hudson.

They are big shoes to fill, buddy...but I know you can do it. <3

holiday combo

2011-02-14T07:01:00.000-08:00

It was a birthday and Valentines weekend over at the Rogers household. Too bad it was marred by sickness, work, and bad luck: i.e. Hudson was sicky sickerton, I had to work all weekend, and we had quite an adventure with our car. Wanna hear the story? Okay I guess I'll tell it.

So basically my mom was out of town so we had been driving her Honda Civic (have you SEEN gas prices lately? Ya, I knew you wouldn't blame us for utilizing the Civ.) As a side note let me just say that both my and Hudson's cars beep at us if we leave the headlights on. This car apparently does not have that ever-so-handy feature. So one night Hudson drove it and left the lights on, yadda yadda yadda the battery died. Not that big of a deal, right? (well, I had just done this same thing on this same car like a month previous so it was a little agitating.) The next morning Hudson decided to jump the Honda while I was getting ready for work. Long story short, he locked the keys in the car with the car running. We thought my mom had the spare keys, AAA wouldn't come without my mom there (dang her for being out of town) we called a locksmith, $50 later...and guess what? The spare key was in our room the whole time. happy birthday, hudson.

I don't really have any pics from the weekend because of the above reasons. But I wanted to commemorate LOVE day and Hudson's birthday anyway.

Unfortunately for Hudson, he sort of gets the short end of the stick with a February 12 birthday and then Valentines on the 14th. This equals joint presents. For example, "Here is your new iphone! It is your birthday slash Valentines gift." See what I mean? Shafted.

at least he got a birthday cake that he is obviously super stoked about.

Despite the crazy weekend, just having Dean and Hudson is the best thing I could ever ask for.

Yay for eternal love.

Dean, personified

2011-02-11T06:18:00.001-08:00

Sometimes I can catch Dean in a moment that is so uniquely him.

This was one of those times.

Sitting on a ladder to watch televison (ladda! ladda!).

Eating an orange that he picked off our tree,

using said ladder.

Wearing Band-Aid's as stickers on his shirt.

Messy hair and probably a poopy diaper (kidding. kind of.)

PB & Dean {part 2}

2011-02-01T06:48:00.000-08:00

Publicly admitting my blogging flaws has renewed my desire to update my little family blog. Is it bad that each time I post it is full of the adventures of our crazy guy Dean?

As we have previously discovered, Dean loves himself some good PB. JIF brand, if we are being specific.

a. At least it's protein

b. I'm just glad he is not allergic

c. He was just so excited about the PB that I didn't even want to take it away from him... at least until I video taped and captured the moment on film.

Sweetie, we can't drink peanut butter.

The best part of the whole thing is that he was saying "Delicious!" with his mouth full of the sticky PB and his infamous lisp.

2011-01-31T07:05:00.001-08:00

Let me just tell you a little story about why I haven't been blogging. It's more of a mathematical equation, really:

hudson work + courtney work (2 jobs) + hudson in school + courtney in school + church, everyday life, and an almost-two-year-old =

No time for the bloggy.

Maybe you don't read anymore anyway, but to those of you who do, I will be making up for it soon, I promise!

two kids...

2011-01-18T06:22:00.000-08:00

We are a two-kid family.

No, I'm not pregnant silly people!

But I do have 2 kids... Dean, and Hudson.

Case in point:

Yesterday we went to the Sea Life Aquarium at AZ Mills (thank you, Groupon). Hudson was just as excited as Dean. Maybe even more so. I love having a husband who is young at heart.

At the end of the aquarium exhibit there is a little playground for kids.

Keyword: KIDS

Hudson was literally going down the slide and climbing around on the equipment. It was hilarious. He claims it was so that he could "help" Dean...

...but I don't buy it.

Oh, these boys.

They crack me up.

zoo!

2011-01-14T06:17:00.000-08:00

D is obsessed with animals. Like, probably going to be a veterinarian-obsessed. Uh-huh, it's true.

So, naturally we bought an annual pass to the zoo and I am pretty sure Dean thought it was Christmas all over again.

This little boy led the way and pointed and stared and loved every animal enough to bring them home with us {not gonna happen, buddy.}

At the petting zoo, Dean literally was trying to sit on the goat's lap {this is what he does when he likes something}. It was so cute! He wanted to brush the goats hair and give them kisses {full-on on the mouth} and hugs. Precious.

Maybe I will start trying to be more of an animal person, for Dean's sake.

Probably not, but it's nice to think about.

funnies

2011-01-05T11:11:00.000-08:00

If I don't get some of these stories about Dean written down I am afraid I will forget all the craziness that comes with having an {almost} two-year-old.

Is my kid the only one full of these shananagins?

Dean thinks that it is HILARIOUS to gag himself. Like full on fist down his throat, tears coming out of his eyes gagging. Then he laughs for an hour. And if I tell him "no" or hit his hand away it doubles the funniness factor. The other day my sister and I were on our way home from Ikea and Dean got himself in the gagging mode. Once he remembers how "funny" it is, I can hardly get him to stop. Anyway, Bethany told me to just let him throw up and learn his lesson. So I did. And sure enough, Dean barfed all over himself. He looked shocked for about two seconds but I am pretty sure I haven't seen the end of the gagging phase.

A couple times when I was out of town, Hudson let Dean sleep in our bed. Big mistake. Now Dean thinks it his birthright to sleep in a king sized bed with down feather pillows and 600 thread count sheets. I am not a fan of co-sleeping with Dean. Don't get me wrong, I love to snuggle him, but he is the most restless sleeper around! How is it possible that just him and I cannot fit in a bed together without me clinging the the edge of the mattress? It blows my mind. But here's the real clincher: In the middle of the night Dean will sporadically kick his legs to see if anyone is in his immediate vicinity and if he can feel either Hudson or I he freaks out. Thus pushing us both closer to the edge (literally and mentally).

Dean threw his church shoe in the toilet the other day...post urination.

Dean opened up my gel deodorant and licked the top layer off. Then he gagged a little (see, I knew I wasn't done with the gagging.)

Hudson found Dean the other day up on the kitchen counter at his mom's house, shoveling m&m's into his mouth as fast as his fat fingers would allow.

Today at the doctor Dean ran as fast as he could straight into the door in the waiting room. For no reason.

All I have to say is, try as I might, I can't seem to stay mad at this little face.

Sigh.

SANTA!! {I know him!}

2010-12-28T05:43:00.000-08:00

We had a super fabulous Christmas over here at the Rogers' household.

Except for one thing. A realization really. One that has been throbbing in the back of my mind for a while and that I have not yet come to terms with.

Dean is spoiled.

Like, bad.

Christmas only confirmed what I have been suspecting and fearing. Between me and Hudson, my mom, sisters and grandparents, and Hudson's family .. Dean made out like a bandit.

Does anyone else's children get drunk on the presents/attention/sugar that Christmas morning inevitably brings their way?

Here's our holiday documented in photos..

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

I will say that the great thing about Dean is that he is a simple boy at heart. He got a little overwhelmed by all the presents that he received and was just happy to get back to mother nature later on in the day.

Give Dean a pile of leaves and a rake and he'll be happy for hours.

We were so blessed and fortunate this year, as we are every year.

Despite all the presents, I have tried to instill in Dean the true meaning of Christmas. Our Saviour, His birth, life, example, and sacrifice. So grateful for the knowledge we have and the joy that comes from giving in this season.

Hope you all had a great holiday!

xoxo

generations

2010-12-23T05:27:00.000-08:00

Dean has found his new best friends. Or maybe his soul mates. What is better than sitting in comfortable chairs, eating homemade goodies and playing in the great outdoors? For this kid, nothing beats it.

Our recent day trip to Globe solidified Dean's love for all things Grandma and Grandpa Sherwood.

Raise your hand if your 86 year old grandpa plays with your kids on the swings and goes down the slide with them. That's what I thought. My grandparents are.the.best.

It makes my heart smile that Dean knows my dad's parents and has a relationship with them. Although we don't get to see them as often as we like, spending time with them is always a treat (figuratively and literally. have you had Globe Mexican food? d.i.e.)

As a side note, my grandparents have NEVER been on a computer. So my sweet aunt prints out my blog posts for them to see.

This one is for you, Sherwood's!

xoxo

nostalgia

2010-12-15T06:04:00.000-08:00

I came across these pictures the other day and I seriously wanted to break down into "where did my baby go" tears. I forgot how chub-a-licious Dean used to be. And now he is a big boy with a little toddler body and I can't take it!

Speaking of my baby growing up, I just want to put it out there that I think he is the smartest little boy in town. (just my own personal, un-biased opinion)

No, but really. He talks up a storm and is learning his shapes and colors. Watching him grow up and speak his mind puts a smile on my face everyday.

That said, Dean, please stop growing up so fast. kthanksbye.

t.r.o.u.b.l.e.

2010-12-08T09:54:00.000-08:00

My little elf. First of all, these are Dean's Christmas jammies, but this is what happens now that I am working 3 days a week and when I am not uber-specific to Hudson about everything. Oh well.

Anyway, my Dean is quite mischeivious. The other day he was in the pantry with the door shut for about 5 minutes before I thought to myself, "What is he doing in there that is entertaining him so well?" (I know, I am a little slow on the uptake.)

This is what I discovered when I opened the door.

Dean had found a butter knife (??) and was digging through a 10 pound tub of powdered sugar like he was some kind of coal miner. Luckily the damage wasn't too bad. In fact, it was just enough to be funny.

Dean surveying his handy work.

Try as I might (and believe me, I know this is one of those moments to stand up and be a parent) I can't seem to get mad at this little face.

p.s. feel free to admire and envy my photography skills.

family

2010-11-30T05:45:00.000-08:00

Here's the rest of the family picture overload, as promised. I am having a hard time deciding on one for our Christmas cards!

love my bear!

classic Dean.

...and they all lived happily ever after :)

thankful

2010-11-25T06:41:00.000-08:00

A sneak peek of our family photos, starring Mr. Dean.

"To you, everything's funny

You've got nothing to regret

I'd give all I had, honey

If you could stay like that..."

"...Oh, darling don't you ever grow up

Don't you ever grow up

Just stay this little

Oh, darling don't you ever grow up

Don't you ever grow up

It can stay this simple..."

"...I won't let nobody hurt you, won't let no one break your heart.

And no one will desert you

Just try to never grow up, and never grow up."

thank you, Taylor Swift for putting my thoughts into words.

thank you, L for photographing my little boy.

thank you, bear. For helping me make bubba.

thank you, Dean for being mine.

So grateful.

photo op

2010-11-14T05:49:00.001-08:00

Just trying to get a picture of Dean in his church outfit...

...No big deal.

play time

2010-11-08T06:32:00.000-08:00

Now that the weather is actually bearable (but let's get real, it's not even close to winter weather) we are able to spend time outside! Dean loves himself a good park with wide open spaces. He cracks me up because he is so cautious and worries about new things, i.e. a different park, the play area at the mall, new friends, etc. Good thing he feels comfortable with Paisley, who is (and always will be!) one of the constants in his life.

Me and Hillary get asked all the time if these two are twins. They definitely look alike, no?

My Mr. Dean, with a rarely captured smile and his curly hair. Love him.

Halloween recap

2010-11-01T14:34:00.000-07:00

Oh, Dean. I hope to never forget this Halloween. How excited you were to actually "be" Buzz Lightyear. How each and every piece of candy quickly became your most treasured possession. How you said "bye-bye" and "thank you" to the people you trick or treated from. I'm having the time of my life watching you grow up!

Before we get to the actual Halloween festivities, we must take a look at the requisite pumpkin patch photos:

And now I present Mr. Buzz Lightyear {with boring earthlings as parents...}

Clearly, we are aware of who is the favorite in this family.

And as for the best picture of the night...

Mr. Lightyear, thank you for gracing us with your presence.

halloween bash

2010-10-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

This weekend my dear friend Hillary and I threw a Halloween party! Good thing I had a partner in crime because I have no idea what I am doing when it comes to party planning. Considering that we only gave ourselves 2 weeks to plan, I think it turned out fun!

Since Hillary and I were the hostesses we figured it would make sense to dress up as best friends Wilma Flintstone and Betty Rubble:

(yes, this is my real hair.)

Hudson made a (reluctant) Barney Rubble. He was just glad his costume was comfy. (priorities, people.)

My sisters, who made a lovely Cleopatra and Snooki.

Some pics of the par-tay.

We had so many fun and creative costumes!

Since the party was adults only, Dean hasn't had the chance to dress up yet. And although Hudson and I were going to be the Woody and Jessie to Dean's Buzz, we changed our minds last minute. But Dean will still be making his debut as the intergalactic astronaut. Stay tuned!

rhetoricals.

2010-10-18T07:06:00.001-07:00

Dear Dean,

I can't really figure you out. I look at you in amazement and think, "Where did he come from?" (I do know the answer to that, but we'll save that talk for a {much} later date.)

I have many questions for you, Dean.

Where did you get your rigid independence from?

Can I be your best friend?

I know your dad has sealed that title forever. How about if I am your third Musketeer?

Why is it like pulling teeth to get you to take a picture with me?

{we have to bribe you with treats to get you to pose for a pic. even then, you only smile at the prospect of a snack in your near future.}

other things I wonder about:

why do you stink so bad after being outside for one minute?

why is your bath water gray and murky after we bathe you?

why do you only want to eat popsicles all day long?

why do you know the words "Backyardigans" and "Ladder" and yet refuse to say your aunt's names?

Oh Dean, you make me laugh (and cry) and you're the best, craziest thing that's ever happened to me.

I know you can't answer my questions. But this smile says it all.

clean dean

2010-10-06T17:57:00.000-07:00

Lucky for me, I'll never have to pay for a cleaning lady.

{in case you are wondering, the vacuum is on and he is actually vacuuming.}

Now. How to make Dean realize that even though Mommy scrubs toilets, that doesn't mean he should try to help me...

Dean charges $25 an hour for anyone who wishes to hire him for cleaning services. He really is quite thorough in his cleaning process :)

can't fight the feeling..

2010-09-28T10:44:00.001-07:00

For the first time in my life I am baby hungry. Even admitting this out loud makes me cringe. And sweat. And panic.

Hurry, somebody talk me out of this before the feeling takes over my life and I do something I'm not quite ready for...

entertainer of the year...

2010-09-25T10:24:00.000-07:00

The award definitely goes to my Dean.

Some of the recent "Dean-isms":

Aunt Meghan: "Dean, do you want to put your shirt on?"

D: "Um..no."

okay, attitude!

Dean has never experienced a moment of separation anxiety in his life. Of course he chooses the week he has finally graduated to Nursery age to become attached to his {often ignored} parental units. He screamed the entire time he was in Nursery, to the point where when I came and got him at the end of church, the leader told me to "Make sure he drinks a lot of water because he cried A LOT." As if I couldn't tell that fact by simply looking at Dean's swollen face and puffy eyes. Sad song.

Here is sweet little D, prior to the aforementioned Nursery incident:

Dean is learning to feed himself. Enough said.

btw, when is it too early to wax his brows? no, but seriously.

Dean after a nap. He is really into taking off his clothes. Should I be worried?

Or, maybe I should be more worried that he likes to wear my shoes around the house. At least he wears Hudson's ASU hat with the girl shoes.

Dean likes to fancy himself pretty independent. This was him today. Eating breakfast outside. By himself.

The whole morning, Dean wore his bike helmet around the house and outside. Heaven forbid I try to get him to wear it when he is actually on the bike. But, he has decided it is more of an accessory than a means by which to protect his skull.

I don't know where Dean comes up with some {all} of his antics. But they sure keep us laughing!

still...

2010-09-20T10:19:00.001-07:00

Apparently it's still summer

Because it's still 105 outside

And I'm still worrying about getting heat stroke because

Dean still only wants to play outside in the hose...naked.

{gotta love that run-on sentence}

let's also mention that my 18-month-old has the legs of a grown man. Full-on shapely calves and quads.

i got you, babe.

2010-09-13T07:43:00.000-07:00

I've been to lots of places, all over the world. Carlsbad, CA is (and forever will be) my most favorite. Perhaps it's the years of memories the town holds.

It was my dad's favorite place.

It's the place that Hudson and I first said, "I love you."

It's the place we spent half our honeymoon.

So, of course when it came time to choose a locale for our "adults only" vaca with our dear friends Lance and Mindy, Carlsbad was the only place that made sense.

I fall in love with this quaint town all over again, every time I go.

This time was maybe one of my favorite trips of all time.

I got to spend it with this guy (who also happens to be my favorite).

"I got you to hold my hand.
I got you to understand.
I got you to walk with me.
I got you to talk with me.
I got you to kiss goodnight.
I got you to hold me tight.
I got you, I won't let go.
I got you to love me so."

(I'm really into Sonny and Cher lately. Thinking of being them for Halloween?)

it's the most wonderful time of the year...

2010-09-05T12:49:00.000-07:00

...for Hudson, that is. Might as well throw Dean in that boat too because heaven knows he loves himself a good ball game.

On Thursday night, this was my conversation with Hudson:

C: "Bear I have something to tell you. You're not going to like it."

H: "What?"

C: "I HATE college football. It ruins autumn."

H: "Well, I love it and it's my favorite time of year."

boo.

I am used to Hudson being the die-hard ASU fan that he is. And now this obsession is validated through him being an actual Sun Devil {as he now goes to school at ASU}.

Hudson has recently taught Dean who "Sparky" is. Looks like I am officially outnumbered.

Oh, how I love these boys and their joint elation in the prospect of a new season of cheering for the maroon and gold.

summer wrap-up

2010-08-29T08:32:00.000-07:00

I am entitling this post "Summer Wrap-Up" in hopes that it signals the weather gods to present me with some cooler weather.

There have been many highlights for our family this summer, which include:

*Camping

*Vegas

*Stay-cations

*BYU Education Week with mom and sis

*Lots of eating

{You may think me a bad mother for allowing D to partake in cookie dough, and therefore be exposed to uncooked eggs.}

*Lots of family time

{notice how D is wearing a helmet. Yup, you can take back your previous snide remark about the uncooked cookie dough. I like to look out for my child's well-being.}

...and so much more.

But, I have to tell ya, despite the great summer, I am ever-so-ready for the fall.

Oh, and lest you think we experience nothing but perfectly staged family moments, I'll leave you with this: our summer was not lacking the entertainment that can only come from one of D's famous tantrums.

haha.

quarter-century

2010-08-16T08:23:00.000-07:00

Yay for birthdays!

And for all the friends and family who made it great.

For Meghan who hosted my birthday dinner.

For Bethany who took pictures of me with my cake,

For Hudson who got me a cake when I didn't think I was getting one. {and also for my amazing new pink beach cruiser}

For Dean who looks like he loves me in this picture.

And who is running away from me in this one:

And, again, for a husband who puts up with "birthday month" like a champ. I don't mind that you tell me that you are glad my birthday only comes once a year. I'd feel the same way if I were you.

I'm glad it's still August even though my actual day is coming to a close. I think I'll keep celebrating.

king of the castle

2010-08-12T19:20:00.000-07:00

My little man rules the roost. He marches to the beat of his own drum. And honestly, he is a lot more like me than I'd like to admit.

His antics make me laugh day in and day out {yet another of my personality traits he acquired. probably in utero}

Everyday is an adventure with a little boy in the house.

Here is what we are up to these days:

Um, yes. Dean is in fact peeing on the slip and slide. Oh, you don't let your baby run around naked? Well, sue me.

I brought D's car seat inside the other day and he thought it was the best toy ever. He stayed in there for about 20 minutes. Why is the car seat only fun when it's outside the car? Cause he sure didn't think it was entertaining on our 12 hour car ride to Utah last week...

Sometimes I am lucky enough to capture a smile...

And sometimes I just catch him walking around like he owns the place.

Sparingly, and ever so begrudgingly, Dean gives me a kiss.

These boys make me smile.

Life with Dean is always interesting, never mundane, and forever happy.

a mess to be made

2010-07-30T11:35:00.000-07:00

My daily job description:

Cleaning messes.

Giving baths.

Fixing meals.

Fixing snacks.

Cleaning more messes.

Putting Dean in time out.

Teaching Dean to say sorry.

Cleaning up yet another mess.

Telling Dean to please stop whining.

a.k.a. motherhood.

Sometimes I think that Dean was born with a rare ability to know EXACTLY what he shouldn't get into, and then proceed to destroy it.

I console myself with this thought: At least Dean knows how to share.

camping adventures

2010-07-26T09:05:00.000-07:00

Every year, Hudson's grandparents take all the grandkids camping.

This year, we had a plus one: Dean.

There are many firsts in a child's life.

The first camping trip is probably one of the most memorable for a little boy.

From the second we stepped onto the dirt of our campsite, Dean fell in love.

In love with trees, pinecones, mud, quads, and campfires.

I could barely manage to get a photo of him looking at the camera because there was simply too much to see and do.

Dean only looks unhappy in this picture because the quad is stationary instead of moving to take him on more adventures.

Mama had to really get used to seeing her baby boy covered in dirt, dropping his food in dirt {and still eating it} and having his fingernails full of {you guessed it} DIRT.

I got made fun of for buying Dean new clothes for camping {including new white tennis shoes}. I can't help it! I believe in looking your best for every occasion...and always dressing the part :)

This little boy had the time of his life.

I love watching him experience new things and discover the world. I love that he is in awe of everything.

And I am proud to say that although I am not much of a camper... I survived!

like father, like son.

2010-07-21T07:16:00.000-07:00

I am working on a scientific conclusion that all men and boys are wired the same.

For example, I can hardly get Hudson to even hear my voice when he is wrapped up in a television show that he loves.

My dad was the same way.

Hudson's dad is the same way.

And now, my son has picked up on this curious trait of drowning me out.

Apparently he learned it from a young age.

And apparently, he learned it from his dad.

Does it make me a bad mom that I don't try to curb the television habit?

Or more specifically, the Backyardigans addiction?

Dean wants this cartoon on when he eats, plays, and rides in the car. Dang that technology.

I hope I am not the only mom who feels mild relief when their child sits for 2 seconds to watch tv, and by so doing, allows me to sit as well.

Vegas, baby.

2010-07-12T16:05:00.000-07:00

Every time I go to Vegas, I swear up and down that I am never going back. What with being quite the NON-drinker, -partier, & -gambler I never saw the point. BUT, just in time to change my opinion, we were able to make a fun-filled trek to LV for some family time with the Rogers. We were so glad all 9 of us were able to make it for the

4th of July weekend!

We stayed at a beautiful resort about 10 miles off the strip and were able to just enjoy the company, pool, and food!

Dean loved it and turned out to be quite the little water baby. He LOVES the sun and water and everything to do with it. Almost makes me wish I was a more outdoorsy mom. Almost.

Excuse me, but does Dean think he is laying out in the above picture? Like, sunbathing? Just wondering, once again, where this kid gets his wild ideas from.